> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1269890-propulsion-engineer-merlin-hardware-development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1269890-propulsion-engineer-merlin-hardware-development). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Propulsion Engineer (Merlin Hardware Development) - **Company:** Space Exploration Technologies Corp. - **Location:** Hawthorne, CA, United States - **Salary:** $100,000.0 - $117,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Siemens NX, Software Verification, Build Tools, Ansys - **Published:** July 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17576200?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17576200%2FPropulsion-Engineer-Merlin-Hardware-Development-California-Hawthorne ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics * 1+ years of academic or professional hands-on experience performing fabrication, assembly, and/or testing * 1+ years of academic or professional experience using CAD to design parts/assemblies PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aeronautical/astronautical engineering * 1+ years of academic or professional experience related to combustion devices or rocket engine development * Strong foundation in fluid mechanics (compressible and incompressible), thermodynamics, combustion, structures/fracture mechanics, and materials-and the judgment to apply them to real hardware decisions. * Experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC mill/lathe, welding, castings, additive, etc. and proficient with the fundamentals of Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA) * Experience across the full engineering lifecycle-from design trade and CAD through manufacturing, test, qualification, production, and flight/operations. * Experience performing risk assessments or supporting timely closure of root-cause investigations * Analytical/scientific programming experience (Python, Matlab, etc.) * Experience using Siemens NX (Unigraphics) and ANSYS preferred, Fluent or other comparable CFD package also desirable * Comfortable briefing senior leadership and external customers on technical risk and hardware status * Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment including daily interactions with technicians, engineers, and managers * Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with both internal and external customers ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to travel in support of testing, launching, and maintenance of engine hardware (up to 10%) * Ability to pass Air Force background checks for Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg * Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when production, test, or launch timelines require it, * To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. * 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. * 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. ## Description As a Merlin Propulsion Engineer, you will own engine hardware and software from first build through acceptance test, flight, and re-flight. You will drive design, process, and operational changes that improve Merlin reliability, producibility, and performance-and help Falcon scale production and flight rate without sacrificing the flight heritage that made it the world's most reliable launch vehicle. On any given week you might be hands-on with the engine, in a design or test review, briefing a customer, or closing an anomaly investigation before the next launch., * Serve as the Responsible Engineer for a Merlin engine component or system, where you will be the primary technical point of contact for your hardware through the complete life cycle * Lead Merlin development and qualification test campaigns for hardware improvements or root cause investigations * Design, analyze, produce, and operate Merlin propulsion hardware and systems across development and flight operations * Partner with engineers and technicians across production, test, launch, avionics, GNC (guidance, navigation & control), software, mission management, and flight reliability to deliver flight-ready engines * Resolve day-to-day production, test, and launch issues by getting hands-on with the hardware * Brief commercial and government customers on hardware changes and issues as a technical authority for mission success * Make sound, risk-informed decisions under time pressure, including during test and launch campaigns * Implement and maintain hardware and software verification and validation using automation and process controls that scale with flight rate * Develop and improve engine maintenance procedures with the launch site and test teams to improve hardware readiness and reduce turnaround time * Lead anomaly investigations related to your hardware, drive rapid resolution, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence * Build tools, especially while leveraging AI, to automate analysis, reduce repetitive work, and speed up engineering decisions * Run multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing against program milestones and business needs while maintaining excellent attention to detail ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Cloud Vendor Lock-In - Is it just a new version of the Database Abstraction Layers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1185-cloud-vendor-lock-in-is-it-just-a-new-version-of-the-database-abstraction-layers) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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